Those behind the plans for the facility on the site of the former Bury Spectrum Gymnastics Club on Western Way, Bury St Edmunds have said the scheme is needed in the town.

The application for the PlanetLaser arena by Leisure-Tec East Anglia follows a previous, smaller application that was approved by St Edmundsbury Borough Council in September last year.

The revised plans include an additional 4,000sq ft of space to fit in a mini bowling alley with about two lanes.

Kevin Garnham, of agents K Garnham architectural design and project management, said he was confident the latest application would go through.

He added: “We obtained planning approval for a laser arena, which was going to have an associated café and party rooms and that. But as my client looked at the process further and further, he decided he wanted mini bowling added to it.

“We have resubmitted the planning application with an extra 4,000 sq ft so we’ve got now 13 sq ft of floor space. It will be exiting when it’s done.”

Mr Garnham said: “I am confident it’s going to go through. We’ve talked to the planners at length; we’ve been in discussion with them for probably nine months. We talked about the revised scheme and they are very enthusiastic to be honest. It’s something Bury St Edmunds needs and they can see that.”

Documents that accompany the application show that along with the laser maze and bowling alley there will be a café with seating, party rooms and a gaming area.

The outside of the building will be redecorated and will include two large PlanetLaser signs.

The Western Way location was formerly used by the gymnastics club from 1996 to 2012 when they relocated. Select Office furniture have also had a presence on the site.